Final Report online

Media Release: Graham reports on foreign policy advice from Canadian public

June 27, 2003 (9:10 a.m. EDT) No. 94

GRAHAM REPORTS ON FOREIGN POLICY ADVICE FROM CANADIAN PUBLIC

Foreign Affairs Minister Bill Graham today released A Dialogue on Foreign Policy: Report to Canadians, a document summarizing the advice received from Canadians during national public consultations held from January through May 2003. This document represents a critical first step toward fulfilling the Government's commitment to review Canada's foreign policy.

"This Report to Canadians gives an overview of what citizens across the country told us about their concerns, priorities and expectations for Canada and the world beyond our borders," said Minister Graham. "This advice will be invaluable in the months ahead as I pursue the work of policy development with my Cabinet colleagues and departmental officials."

The Dialogue on Foreign Policy was launched in January with the release of a discussion paper posing questions for public comment. Consultations were conducted through country-wide Town Hall meetings, written submissions from individuals and organizations, expert roundtables and electronic submissions on the Dialogue Internet site. The results of these consultations, summarized in the Report, will contribute to the Government's ongoing review of directions and priorities for Canadian foreign policy

"The public consultations were highly successful in providing advice on a broad range of foreign policy issues," added Minister Graham. "Our citizens want to see Canada active abroad in ways that reflect the realities of global interdependence and the complex nature of the threats facing us in the 21st century. They want to see diplomacy, defence capability and development assistance working together to advance Canadian goals. Canadians are concerned about international security, our relationship with the United States, and globalization and sustainable development. Citizens also want to see Canada better known abroad in all of its diversity, opportunity and expertise."